Weekend Getaway: Find Your Winter Wonderland

Winter is a great time for hotel values in northern cities, and I have more to share this week, including an interesting new trend: basing hotel rates or discounts on the outside air temperature at the time of check-in. I’ve found at least two northern tier hotels that are offering discounts based on the weather.

Track the wind chill at the Ritz-Carlton Montréal

Winter weather certainly drops well below freezing in the depths of winter, but the historic Ritz-Carlton Montréal in the heart of the city has much on offer for guests taking respite from frigid temperatures outside, from Daniel Boulud-helmed restaurants to a tranquil spa.

Guests seeking suite accommodations at a discount, who also feel that the weather might be on their side, can take advantage of the hotel’s "The Colder The Better Package," which offers a discount based on the temperature (with wind chill) at the time of check-in.

There is a noteworthy host of inclusions, including overnight accommodations in a suite with a fireplace, a cocktail and breakfast at Maison Boulud, a hot beverage of your choice in front of the fireplace, chestnuts and Speculoos Cookies, free parking, and late check-out.

Rates start at $765 CDN per night for single occupancy and $790 CDN per night for double occupancy (and a special shoutout to the hotel for discounting the rate for single occupancy, which is rare) and the package is available through April.

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Enjoy a Frosty Friday at The Colonnade Hotel in Boston

Just down the road from Montréal is Boston, where The Colonnade Hotel is also offering a package based on the region’s cold winter weather.

For two-night stays through March 29, guests will pay the outside temperature reading at 5 p.m. on “Frosty Friday” and a special rate of $289 for Saturday evening. For example, if the temperature on Friday evening is 18 degrees, the rate is just $18. No word on what happens if the temperature goes negative, though.

In addition to the special rate, the package includes a choice of admission and ice skate rental for four at Boston Common Frog Pond or tickets for the Old Town Trolley Tour, and free overnight parking. Connecting rooms for families needing more space can be booked at a special supplement rate.

Explore like a local at Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph

In the Buckeye State, visitors can mingle with Columbus residents and enjoy a winter weekend getaway in the local style at Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph with a 20% discount off a spa treatment, a free copy of The Scout Guide Columbus Volume 1 plus The Scout Guide tote for carting local finds whilst exploring, and exclusive offers and discounts from local retailers in Short North to the find the perfect gift or take-home treasure.

Packages are available weekends, with some blacked out weekends, and rates start at $249 plus tax.